The McGowan Government today unveiled a new $1 million grants program to drive advances in the northern beef industry.
The Producer Innovation Fast Track grants, announced at the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association conference, provide matching grants of up to $20,000 for cattle producers to adopt technologies that boost business performance, resilience and sustainability.
Pastoralists can use the funds to reinforce biosecurity preparedness, enhance herd genetics, implement holistic rangeland management strategies and improve operational efficiencies.
Potential investments include ag-tech, digital systems and decision support tools, feasibility studies and business plans, as well as engaging consultants.
The program is part of the State Government’s successful Northern Beef Development initiative assisting pastoralists to optimise potential and capture opportunities.
Other Northern Beef Development projects include a genetic project developing selection indexes tailored to northern cattle and activities to enhance animal husbandry practices via producer demonstration sites in the Pilbara and Kimberley.
For more information and to apply for a Producer Innovation Fast Track grant, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/PIFT-grants. Applications close on Sunday, 15 January 2023.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The Northern Beef Development program is working hand-in-hand with Pilbara and Kimberley pastoralists to overcome the challenges of the north and capture opportunities for this important industry.
“Initiatives like the Producer Innovation Fast Track grants are designed to meet the individual needs of pastoral businesses and their planning priorities.
“I encourage all northern pastoralists to examine how these valuable grants can help take their business to the next level.”
